unravel

verb

un·​rav·​el ˌən-ˈra-vəl 

unraveled; unraveling; unravels

transitive verb

1

a

: to disengage or separate the threads of : disentangle

b

: to cause to come apart by or as if by separating the threads of

2

: to resolve the intricacy, complexity, or obscurity of : clear up

unravel a mystery

intransitive verb

: to become unraveled

Synonyms

• disentangle
• ravel (out)
• unbraid
• unlay
• unsnarl
• untangle
• untwine
• untwist
• unweave

Examples of unravel in a Sentence

Scientists are still unraveling the secrets of DNA.

Their plans unraveled when she lost her job.

His frequent absences from home caused his marriage to unravel.

I feel like my life is unraveling.

Recent Examples on the Web

That dynamic unraveled during the pandemic as lockdowns kept everyone at home. —Dev Patnaik, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

But their convictions were unraveled by a judge’s homophobic remarks. —Elizabeth Both, NBC News, 4 Nov. 2024

By now, however, that success has decisively unraveled. —Sarah E. Yerkes, Foreign Affairs, 4 Nov. 2024

In an attempt to unravel this mystery, the researchers tested samples from 14 fire suppression products sold by commercial retailers — looking for 10 metals that have known toxicity or are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). —Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Kids Definition

unravel

verb

un·​rav·​el ˌən-ˈrav-əl 

ˈən-

1

: to separate the threads of : disentangle

unravel a snarl

2

: solve

unravel a mystery

3

: to become unraveled